U.S. patent application number 12/804826 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus and methods of using same.
Invention is credited to Gurmeet Bhutani, Hung-Pin Chien, Li-Chung Liu, Cheng-Kuo Wang, Tien Hsiang Wu.
Application Number | 20120026677 12/804826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45526523 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120026677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bhutani; Gurmeet ; et
al. |
February 2, 2012 |
Dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus and methods of using
same
Abstract
Dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus and methods of
operating same that may be used, for example, to cool the internal
heat-generating components of an information handling system or
other device. The dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus may be
implemented in one embodiment as a self-cleaning blower apparatus
that is operated in a first normal cooling direction to dissipate
heat from internal components of an information handling system,
and operated in second cleaning direction to reverse airflow and
expel accumulated dust from the interior of the information
handling system.
Inventors: |
Bhutani; Gurmeet; (Punjab,
IN) ; Wang; Cheng-Kuo; (HsinChu City, TW) ;
Chien; Hung-Pin; (Taipei, TW) ; Liu; Li-Chung;
(Zhongli City, TW) ; Wu; Tien Hsiang; (Taipei,
TW) |
Family ID: |
45526523 |
Appl. No.: |
12/804826 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.48 ;
415/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/0613 20130101;
F04D 29/703 20130101; G06F 1/20 20130101; F04D 27/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.48 ;
415/203 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/20 20060101
G06F001/20; F01D 1/02 20060101 F01D001/02 |
Claims
1. An information handling system, comprising: a chassis enclosing
one or more information handling system components, the chassis
having at least one gas intake opening defined in an outer surface
of the chassis, and at least one cleaning gas exhaust opening
defined in an outer surface of the chassis; at least one
centrifugal fan apparatus coupled to the chassis, the centrifugal
fan apparatus comprising: a stator housing component and a vaned
rotor component rotatably received therein, a rotor driver
mechanically coupled to drive the vaned rotor component in a first
cooling direction and a second cleaning direction that is opposite
in rotation from the first cooling direction, a first
circumferential opening defined in the stator housing, the first
circumferential opening configured to act as a gas outlet for
expelling gas into an interior space of the chassis for cooling the
information handling system components when the vaned rotor
component rotates in a first cooling direction, a second
circumferential opening defined in the stator housing, the second
circumferential opening coupled to the at least one cleaning gas
exhaust opening defined in the outer surface of the chassis and
being configured to act as a gas outlet for expelling gas outside
of the chassis when the vaned rotor component rotates in a second
cleaning direction that is opposite in rotation from the first
cooling direction, and an axial gas opening defined in the stator
housing component over the vaned rotor component, the second
circumferential opening coupled to the at least one gas intake
opening defined in the outer surface of the chassis, and the axial
gas opening configured to act as a gas inlet for drawing in gas
from outside the chassis when the vaned rotor component rotates in
the first cooling direction.
2. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the first
circumferential opening is configured to act as a gas inlet for
drawing in gas and accumulated debris from the interior space of
the chassis when the vaned rotor component rotates in the second
cleaning direction that is opposite in rotation from the first
cooling direction.
3. The information handling system of claim 2, wherein the stator
housing component has a rotor cavity defined therein; wherein the
vaned rotor component is rotatably received within the rotor cavity
of the stator housing component, the vaned rotor component coupled
to rotate within the rotor cavity relative to the stator housing
component; wherein the first circumferential opening is defined in
the periphery of the stator housing, the first circumferential
opening configured to act as a gas outlet when the vaned rotor
component rotates within the rotor cavity in the first direction
and to act as a gas inlet when the vaned rotor component rotates
within the rotor cavity in the second direction that is opposite in
rotation from the first direction; wherein the second
circumferential opening is defined in the periphery of the stator
housing, the second circumferential opening configured to act as a
gas and debris outlet when the vaned rotor component rotates within
the rotor cavity in a second direction that is opposite in rotation
from the first direction; and wherein the axial gas opening is
configured such that substantially no gas is drawn in or exhausted
through the axial gas opening when the vaned rotor component
rotates within the rotor cavity in the second direction; and
wherein the vaned rotor has a central rotor member coupled to
rotate relative to the stator housing component and has multiple
angled rotor vanes radiating outward from the central rotor member;
wherein the rotor cavity has an open side and a closed side, the
first circumferential opening being defined in the periphery of the
stator housing adjacent and continuous with the open side of the
rotor cavity; and wherein the axial gas opening is substantially
centered over the central rotor member.
4. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the axial
gas opening is further configured to act as a gas inlet when the
vaned rotor component rotates in the second direction that is
opposite in rotation from the first direction; and wherein the
first and second circumferential openings defined in the stator
housing are each configured to act as gas outlets when the vaned
rotor component rotates in the second direction that is opposite in
rotation from the first direction to cause at least a portion of
any accumulated dust and debris within the rotor cavity or that is
present at any cooling fins or grill located at the first
circumferential opening to be expelled out the second
circumferential opening when the vaned rotor component rotates in
the second direction.
5. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the chassis
comprises a notebook computer base chassis portion.
6. The information handling system of claim 1, further comprising
at least one processing device coupled to selectably control the
direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component by maintaining
the direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component in the first
cooling direction, and temporarily switching rotation of the vaned
rotor component to the second cleaning direction in response to
input from a user of the information handling system entered via an
input/output device of the information handling system.
7. The information handling system of claim 6, further comprising
at least one processing device coupled to selectably control the
direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component by maintaining
the direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component in the first
cooling direction, and temporarily switching rotation of the vaned
rotor component to the second cleaning direction upon occurrence of
at least one of a boot up or power up event of the information
handling system, a power down event of the information handling
system, or both.
8. The information handling system of claim 6, further comprising
at least one processing device coupled to selectably control the
direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component by maintaining
the direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component in the first
cooling direction, and temporarily switching rotation of the vaned
rotor component to the second cleaning direction after a given
amount of cumulative elapsed operating time of the information
handling system.
9. The information handling system of claim 6, further comprising a
temperature sensor configured to sense an operating temperature
inside the chassis and coupled to communicate a signal
representative thereof to the processing device; and further
comprising at least one processing device coupled to selectably
control the direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component by
maintaining the direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component
in the first cooling direction, and temporarily switching rotation
of the vaned rotor component to the second cleaning direction upon
detection by the temperature sensor of an operating temperature
inside the chassis that exceeds a predetermined high temperature
threshold.
10. A centrifugal fan apparatus, comprising: a stator housing
component and a vaned rotor component rotatably received therein; a
first circumferential opening defined in the stator housing, the
first circumferential opening configured to act as a gas outlet
when the vaned rotor component rotates in a first direction; a
second circumferential opening defined in the stator housing, the
second circumferential opening configured to act as a gas outlet
when the vaned rotor component rotates in a second direction that
is opposite in rotation from the first direction; and an axial gas
opening defined in the stator housing component over the vaned
rotor component, the axial gas opening configured to act as a gas
inlet when the vaned rotor component rotates in the first
direction.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first circumferential
opening defined in the stator housing is further configured to act
as a gas inlet when the vaned rotor component rotates in a second
direction that is opposite in rotation from the first
direction.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the stator housing component
has a rotor cavity defined therein; wherein the vaned rotor
component is rotatably received within the rotor cavity of the
stator housing component, the vaned rotor component coupled to
rotate within the rotor cavity relative to the stator housing
component; wherein the first circumferential opening is defined in
the periphery of the stator housing, the first circumferential
opening configured to act as a gas outlet when the vaned rotor
component rotates within the rotor cavity in the first direction
and to act as a gas inlet when the vaned rotor component rotates
within the rotor cavity in the second direction that is opposite in
rotation from the first direction; wherein the second
circumferential opening is defined in the periphery of the stator
housing, the second circumferential opening configured to act as a
gas outlet when the vaned rotor component rotates within the rotor
cavity in a second direction that is opposite in rotation from the
first direction; and wherein the axial gas opening is configured
such that substantially no gas is drawn in or exhausted through the
axial gas opening when the vaned rotor component rotates within the
rotor cavity in the second direction.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the vaned rotor has a
central rotor member coupled to rotate relative to the stator
housing component and has multiple angled rotor vanes radiating
outward from the central rotor member; wherein the rotor cavity has
an open side and a closed side, the first circumferential opening
being defined in the periphery of the stator housing adjacent and
continuous with the open side of the rotor cavity; and wherein the
axial gas opening is substantially centered over the central rotor
member.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a sealing
component configured to substantially prevent gas from being drawn
in through the second circumferential opening when the rotor
component is rotating in the first direction and to allow gas to be
expelled out the second circumferential opening when the rotor
component is rotating in the second direction.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the stator housing component
has a rotor cavity defined therein; and wherein the second
circumferential opening is defined in the stator housing component
adjacent a region of the rotor cavity in which gas turbulence
exists when the rotor component is rotating in the first direction,
the gas turbulence being sufficient to substantially prevent gas
from being drawn in through the second circumferential opening when
the rotor component is rotating in the first direction.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the axial gas opening is
further configured to act as a gas inlet when the vaned rotor
component rotates in the second direction that is opposite in
rotation from the first direction; and wherein the first and second
circumferential openings defined in the stator housing are each
configured to act as gas outlets when the vaned rotor component
rotates in the second direction that is opposite in rotation from
the first direction.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first circumferential
opening is configured to act as the primary gas outlet when the
vaned rotor component rotates in the first direction; and wherein
the second circumferential opening is configured to act as the
primary gas outlet when the vaned rotor component rotates in the
second direction that is opposite in rotation from the first
direction.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the stator housing component
has a rotor cavity defined therein; wherein the vaned rotor
component is rotatably received within the rotor cavity of the
stator housing component, the vaned rotor component coupled to
rotate within the rotor cavity relative to the stator housing
component; wherein each of the first and second circumferential
openings are defined in the periphery of the stator housing, each
of the first and second circumferential openings being configured
to act as gas outlets when the vaned rotor component rotates within
the rotor cavity in the first direction and to each act as gas
outlets when the vaned rotor component rotates within the rotor
cavity in the second direction that is opposite in rotation from
the first direction; and wherein the first and second
circumferential openings are configured such that a relatively
greater amount of air is dispelled out the first circumferential
opening during cooling rotation than is dispelled out the first
circumferential opening during cleaning rotation, and such that a
relatively greater amount of air is dispelled out the second
circumferential opening during cleaning rotation than is dispelled
out the second circumferential opening during cooling rotation.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the vaned rotor has a
central rotor member coupled to rotate relative to the stator
housing component and has multiple angled rotor vanes radiating
outward from the central rotor member; wherein the rotor cavity has
an open side and a closed side, the first circumferential opening
being defined in the periphery of the stator housing adjacent and
continuous with the open side of the rotor cavity; wherein the
axial gas opening is substantially centered over the central rotor
member; and wherein the closed side of the rotor cavity terminates
at the second circumferential opening with the second
circumferential opening being disposed between the closed side of
the rotor cavity and a blocking surface of the stator housing
component which is conformably located adjacent the outer periphery
of rotation of the vaned rotor component.
20. A method of operating an information handling system,
comprising: providing a chassis enclosing one or more information
handling system components, the chassis having at least one gas
intake opening defined in an outer surface of the chassis, and at
least one cleaning gas exhaust opening defined in an outer surface
of the chassis; providing at least one centrifugal fan apparatus
coupled to the chassis, the centrifugal fan apparatus comprising: a
stator housing component and a vaned rotor component rotatably
received therein, a first circumferential opening defined in the
stator housing and configured to act as a gas outlet for expelling
gas into an interior space of the chassis, a second circumferential
opening defined in the stator housing, the second circumferential
opening coupled to the at least one cleaning gas exhaust opening
defined in the outer surface of the chassis, and an axial gas
opening defined in the stator housing component over the vaned
rotor component, the second circumferential opening coupled to the
at least one gas intake opening defined in the outer surface of the
chassis; and rotating the vaned rotor component in a first cooling
direction to draw in gas from the at least one gas intake opening
defined in the outer surface of the chassis through the axial gas
opening defined in the stator housing component, and to expel the
drawn in gas into the interior space of the chassis through the
first circumferential opening defined in the stator housing for
cooling the information handling system components; and rotating
the vaned rotor component in a second cleaning direction to expel
drawn in gas from the second circumferential opening defined in the
stator housing out through the cleaning gas exhaust opening to
expel gas outside of the chassis.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising rotating the vaned
rotor component in the second cleaning direction to draw in gas and
any accumulated debris from the interior space of the chassis
through the first circumferential opening defined in the stator
housing, and to expel the drawn in gas and any accumulated debris
from the second circumferential opening defined in the stator
housing out through the cleaning gas exhaust opening; where
substantially no gas is drawn in through the second circumferential
gas opening when the vaned rotor component is rotated in the first
cooling direction, and where substantially no gas is expelled from
the axial gas opening when the vaned rotor component is rotated in
the second cleaning direction.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the stator housing component
has a rotor cavity defined therein; and wherein the method further
comprises rotating the vaned rotor component in the second cleaning
direction to draw in gas from the axial gas opening and to expel
the drawn in gas through the first and second circumferential
openings to cause at least a portion of any accumulated dust and
debris within the rotor cavity or that is present at any cooling
fins or grill located at the first circumferential opening to be
expelled out the second circumferential opening.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the chassis comprises a
notebook computer base chassis portion.
24. The method of claim 20, further comprising maintaining the
direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component in the first
cooling direction, and temporarily reversing rotation of the vaned
rotor component to the second cleaning direction in response to
input from a user of the information handling system entered via an
input/output device of the information handling system.
25. The method of claim 20, further comprising maintaining the
direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component in the first
cooling direction, and temporarily reversing rotation of the vaned
rotor component to the second cleaning direction upon occurrence of
at least one of a boot up or power up event of the information
handling system, a power down event of the information handling
system, or both.
26. The method of claim 20, further comprising maintaining the
direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component in the first
cooling direction, and temporarily reversing rotation of the vaned
rotor component to the second cleaning direction after a given
amount of cumulative elapsed operating time of the information
handling system.
27. The method of claim 20, further comprising maintaining the
direction of rotation of the vaned rotor component in the first
cooling direction, and temporarily reversing rotation of the vaned
rotor component to the second cleaning direction upon detection by
the temperature sensor of an operating temperature inside the
chassis that exceeds a predetermined high temperature threshold.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to centrifugal fan
apparatus, and more particularly to dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus for information handling systems and other devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option available to users is information
handling systems. An information handling system generally
processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or
data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing
users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because
technology and information handling needs and requirements vary
between different users or applications, information handling
systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how
the information is handled, how much information is processed,
stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the
information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The
variations in information handling systems allow for information
handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or
specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline
reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In
addition, information handling systems may include a variety of
hardware and software components that may be configured to process,
store, and communicate information and may include one or more
computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
[0003] Information handling systems and other devices often utilize
blower apparatus or cooling fans to regulate temperature generated
within a chassis of the device. For example, notebook computers and
similar devices often employ a blower to cool the system chipset
together with other heat sources that may be present within the
chassis. Due to notebook computer architecture and component
placement, the blower inlet is typically defined in the bottom of
the system where there is a greater probability that the blower fan
will ingest dirt, lint and other impurities that over time tend to
clog the thermal heat sink and/or other system components, leading
to reduced thermal efficiency of the system. When this occurs,
higher system temperatures result which leads to frequent
activation of over temperature protection (OTP).
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional axial fan assembly 100,
such as may be employed for cooling of a high voltage projector
bulb 150 in a slide projector, or for cooling a server chassis. In
such applications, sufficient room must be available within the
chassis to accommodate the axial fan assembly 100. As shown in FIG.
1, axial fan assembly includes a fan housing 102 that surrounds an
axial fan and heat sink 104. In FIG. 1, the axial fan is rotating
in a first direction to draw in air though fan inlet 106 and expel
the air from fan outlet 108. As shown fan inlet 106 and fan outlet
108 are positioned in line with the rotational axis of the fan and
the axial fan moves air through fan assembly 100 in an axial
direction, i.e., in a direction parallel and in-line to with the
rotational axis of the fan as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 1.
When so rotated, the axial fan draws air into the projector or
server system chassis for purposes of dissipating heat from heat
generating components therein.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates the conventional axial fan assembly 100
of FIG. 1 when the axial fan is rotating in a second direction that
is opposite to the first direction of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2,
air is moved in a direction opposite to that of FIG. 1 when the
rotation of the axial fan is reversed such that air is now drawn in
though fan outlet 108 and expelled from fan inlet 106, once again
in a direction parallel and in-line to with the rotational axis of
the fan as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 2. By so reversing the
axial fan direction, air may be expelled from a projector or server
system chassis in a manner that removes accumulated dust from the
chassis.
[0006] Centrifugal fan apparatus in the form of blowers are also
employed to cool information handling systems such as notebook
computers. Such blowers use a vaned rotor or bladed impeller that
rotates within a blower stator housing. Unlike axial fan
assemblies, such blowers draw in air at an axial opening near the
shaft of the impeller and blow air out an opening that is located
circumferentially to the impeller and in a direction that is
oriented at a right angle to the direction of air intake. Further,
such blowers always intake air from the axial air opening and
exhaust the air from the circumferential opening, regardless of the
direction of rotation of the impeller. FIG. 3 illustrates an
example of a conventional blower assembly 150 having a stator
housing 156 with a vaned rotor 154 coupled thereto to rotate about
its center axis relative to the stator housing 156. A stator
housing cover 160 is configured with an axial air opening 162
defined therein to overlie rotor component 154 when assembled
thereto as shown by the dotted lines. An air exhaust opening 159 is
shown present for exhausting air from blower 150. Rotor 154
includes angled directional vanes and rotor component is rotatably
received within a rotor cavity 158 defined in stator housing 156.
Directions of rotor rotation, air intake, and air exhaust for
conventional blower 150 are indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3. Such
a blower 150 may be installed within the chassis of an information
handling system, such as notebook computer, in a manner such that
axial air opening 162 extends through an outside wall of the
chassis to draw in external cooling air, and such that air exhaust
opening 159 exhausts cooing air into the interior of the chassis
during blower operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Disclosed herein are dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus and methods of operating same that may be used, for
example, to cool the internal heat-generating components of an
information handling system or other device. The disclosed dual
operation centrifugal fan apparatus may be implemented in one
exemplary embodiment as a self-cleaning blower apparatus that is
operated in a first normal cooling direction to dissipate heat from
internal components of an information handling system, and operated
in second cleaning direction to reverse airflow and expel
accumulated debris (e.g., dust) from the interior of the
information handling system. Advantageously the configuration of
the disclosed dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus may be
configured in such an embodiment to provide a relatively flat low
profile for installation in small or thin form factor applications,
e.g., such as inside a portable information handling system such as
notebook computer. In another embodiment, a system design may be
provided for operating the disclosed dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus that is substantially fault proof and flexible to better
tolerate abuse from system users and/or environmental conditions by
automatically implementing cleaning cycles, e.g., at regular
intervals without need for user intervention.
[0008] The disclosed dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus may
be provided with a stator housing component having an axial air
opening adjacent the center axis of a vaned fan rotor component,
and at least first and second circumferential air openings may be
defined in the stator housing component beyond the periphery of the
rotor component. The axial air opening may be inline with the axis
of rotation of the rotor component and serve as an air inlet for
the centrifugal apparatus when the rotor is rotating in a first
(e.g., cooling) direction. Unlike a conventional axial fan, the
circumferential placement of the first and second air openings in
the stator peripheral to the rotor component may be implemented to
advantageously provide a low blower fan profile to allow for
placement in narrow or space-limited areas, such inside a notebook
computer chassis.
[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the first circumferential air
opening may be configured and positioned to expel air that is drawn
from the axial air opening when the rotor component is rotating in
a first (e.g., cooling direction), and the second circumferential
opening may be configured to expel air drawn from the first
circumferential opening when the rotor component is rotating in a
second (e.g., cleaning) direction that is opposite in direction
from the first direction. In this way a dual operation centrifugal
fan apparatus may be provided that reverses air flow direction when
the rotation direction of the rotor component is reversed. This is
unlike conventional blower apparatus which operate to expel air out
of the same circumferential air opening regardless of the rotation
direction of the blower rotor.
[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, a second circumferential
opening of a dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus may be
positioned in the stator housing (e.g., adjacent a relatively
turbulent area of the stator housing interior) such that minimum or
substantially no air leakage into the stator occurs through the
second circumferential opening when the rotor component is rotating
in the first (e.g., cooling) direction. In a further embodiment, a
second circumferential opening may be provided with an optional
sealing component (e.g., self-closing flapper door that closes due
to inward air pressure differential) to substantially prevent air
from being drawn in through the second circumferential opening when
the rotor component is rotated in the first direction.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a stator housing component
may be configured with first and second circumferential air
openings that each expel at least some air drawn in from the axial
air opening when the rotor component is rotating in both first
(e.g., cooling direction) and second (e.g., cleaning) directions.
In this regard, the second circumferential opening may be
configured and positioned to expel at least a portion of the air
drawn from the axial air opening when the rotor component is
rotating in the second (e.g., cleaning) direction, while the first
circumferential air opening is configured and positioned to expel
at least a portion of the air that is drawn from the axial air
opening when the rotor component is rotating in a first (e.g.,
cooling direction), that is opposite in direction from the second
direction, with the proviso that for any given blower assembly
configuration a relatively greater amount of air is dispelled out
the first circumferential opening during cooling rotation than is
dispelled out the first circumferential opening during cleaning
rotation, and a relatively greater amount of air is dispelled out
the second circumferential opening during cleaning rotation than is
dispelled out the second circumferential opening during cooling
rotation. Thus, even though both first and second circumferential
openings exhaust some air regardless of the direction of rotor
component rotation in this embodiment, the relative amount of air
exhausted by a given circumferential opening may be controlled by
selecting direction of rotor component rotation. Due to this change
in relative air flow relation between the first and second
circumferential openings, at least a portion of accumulated dust
(e.g., within the rotor cavity adjacent the first circumferential
opening) may be exhausted from the second circumferential opening
when the rotor component is reversed to rotate in the second (e.g.,
cleaning) direction.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, a system BIOS or other
firmware executing on a processing device (e.g., such as an
embedded controller) of an information handling system may be
provided to automatically and/or selectably switch the rotation of
the rotor of a dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus between a
first (e.g., cooling) direction and a second cleaning direction to
clean dust from the inside of the information handling system
chassis and/or stator housing component on a regular or recurring
basis. For example, the rotation of the rotor may be set by a
processing device to the second (e.g., cleaning) direction for
relatively short duration of time to periodically clean dust from
the inside of the chassis and/or housing component, e.g., at
occurrence of every power up of the information handling system
and/or power down of the information handling system. In another
example, a processing device may set the rotation of the rotor to
the second cleaning direction after a given amount of elapsed
operating time in the first (e.g., cooling) direction, i.e., to
periodically clean dust from the inside of the information handling
system chassis and/or stator housing component on a regular or
otherwise timed interval.
[0013] In yet other possible examples, the rotation of the rotor
may be set by a processing device to the second (e.g., cleaning)
direction for relatively short duration of time based upon elevated
sensed operating temperature inside the information handling system
chassis and/or based upon input from a user of the information
handling system, e.g., via graphical user interface and/or
input/output device such as function key of the keyboard.
Alternatively, the rotation of the rotor may be set by a processing
device to the second (e.g., cleaning) direction for relatively
short duration of time based upon detection of the accumulation of
a predetermined amount of dust within the information handling
system chassis using dust detection circuitry and/or methodology as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,262,704, which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety. Thereafter the rotation of the rotor
may be returned to the first cooling direction.
[0014] In one respect, disclosed herein is an information handling
system, including a chassis enclosing one or more information
handling system components, the chassis having at least one gas
intake opening defined in an outer surface of the chassis, and at
least one cleaning gas exhaust opening defined in an outer surface
of the chassis; and at least one centrifugal fan apparatus coupled
to the chassis. The centrifugal fan apparatus may include: a stator
housing component and a vaned rotor component rotatably received
therein, a rotor driver mechanically coupled to drive the vaned
rotor component in a first cooling direction and a second cleaning
direction that is opposite in rotation from the first cooling
direction, a first circumferential opening defined in the stator
housing, the first circumferential opening configured to act as a
gas outlet for expelling gas into an interior space of the chassis
for cooling the information handling system components when the
vaned rotor component rotates in a first cooling direction, a
second circumferential opening defined in the stator housing, the
second circumferential opening coupled to the at least one cleaning
gas exhaust opening defined in the outer surface of the chassis and
being configured to act as a gas outlet for expelling gas outside
of the chassis when the vaned rotor component rotates in a second
cleaning direction that is opposite in rotation from the first
cooling direction, and an axial gas opening defined in the stator
housing component over the vaned rotor component, the second
circumferential opening coupled to the at least one gas intake
opening defined in the outer surface of the chassis, and the axial
gas opening configured to act as a gas inlet for drawing in gas
from outside the chassis when the vaned rotor component rotates in
the first cooling direction.
[0015] In another respect, disclosed herein is a centrifugal fan
apparatus, including: a stator housing component and a vaned rotor
component rotatably received therein; a first circumferential
opening defined in the stator housing, the first circumferential
opening configured to act as a gas outlet when the vaned rotor
component rotates in a first direction; a second circumferential
opening defined in the stator housing, the second circumferential
opening configured to act as a gas outlet when the vaned rotor
component rotates in a second direction that is opposite in
rotation from the first direction; and an axial gas opening defined
in the stator housing component over the vaned rotor component, the
axial gas opening configured to act as a gas inlet when the vaned
rotor component rotates in the first direction.
[0016] In yet another respect, disclosed herein is a method of
operating an information handling system, including: providing a
chassis enclosing one or more information handling system
components, the chassis having at least one gas intake opening
defined in an outer surface of the chassis, and at least one
cleaning gas exhaust opening defined in an outer surface of the
chassis; and providing at least one centrifugal fan apparatus
coupled to the chassis. The centrifugal fan apparatus may include:
a stator housing component and a vaned rotor component rotatably
received therein, a first circumferential opening defined in the
stator housing and configured to act as a gas outlet for expelling
gas into an interior space of the chassis, a second circumferential
opening defined in the stator housing, the second circumferential
opening coupled to the at least one cleaning gas exhaust opening
defined in the outer surface of the chassis, and an axial gas
opening defined in the stator housing component over the vaned
rotor component, the second circumferential opening coupled to the
at least one gas intake opening defined in the outer surface of the
chassis. The method may include rotating the vaned rotor component
in a first cooling direction to draw in gas from the at least one
gas intake opening defined in the outer surface of the chassis
through the axial gas opening defined in the stator housing
component, and to expel the drawn in gas into the interior space of
the chassis through the first circumferential opening defined in
the stator housing for cooling the information handling system
components; and rotating the vaned rotor component in a second
cleaning direction to expel drawn in gas from the second
circumferential opening defined in the stator housing out through
the cleaning gas exhaust opening to expel gas outside of the
chassis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conventional
axial fan assembly.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of a conventional axial
fan assembly.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
conventional blower assembly.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an information handling system
according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed systems and
methods.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an information
handling system according to one exemplary embodiment of the
disclosed apparatus and methods.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0031] FIG. 15 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0033] FIG. 17 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
apparatus and methods.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an information handling system
200 (e.g., portable information handling system such as notebook
computer, MP3 player, personal data assistant (PDA), cell phone,
cordless phone, etc.) as it may be configured according to one
exemplary embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods. As shown
in FIG. 4, information handling system 200 of this exemplary
embodiment includes a processor 205 such as an Intel Pentium series
processor, an Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) processor or one of many
other processors currently available. A graphics/memory controller
hub (GMCH) chip 210 is coupled to processor 205 to facilitate
memory and display functions. System memory 215 and a display
controller 220 are coupled to GMCH 210. A display device 225 (e.g.,
video monitor) may be coupled to display controller 220 to provide
visual images (e.g., via graphical user interface) to the user. An
I/O controller hub (ICH) chip 230 is coupled to GMCH chip 210 to
facilitate input/output functions for the information handling
system. Media drives 235 are coupled to ICH chip 230 to provide
permanent storage to the information handling system. An expansion
bus 240 is coupled to ICH chip 230 to provide the information
handling system with additional plug-in functionality. Expansion
bus 240 may be a PCI bus, PCI Express bus, SATA bus, USB or
virtually any other expansion bus. Input devices 245 such as a
keyboard and mouse are coupled to ICH chip 230 to enable the user
to interact with the information handling system. An embedded
controller (EC) 280 running system BIOS is also coupled to ICH chip
230.
[0036] In this particular embodiment, information handling system
200 is coupled to an external source of power, namely AC mains 250
and AC adapter 255. It will be understood that external power may
alternatively provided from any other suitable external source
(e.g., external DC power source) or that AC adapter 255 may
alternatively be integrated within an information handling system
200 such that AC mains 250 supplies AC power directly to
information handling system 200. As shown AC adapter 255 is
removably coupled to, and separable from, battery charger/power
circuit 260 of information handling system 200 at mating
interconnection terminals 290 and 292 in order to provide
information handling system 200 with a source of DC power to
supplement DC power provided by battery cells of a battery system
in the form of smart battery pack 265, e.g., lithium ion ("Li-ion")
or nickel metal hydride ("NiMH") battery pack including one or more
rechargeable batteries and a BMU that includes an analog front end
("AFE") and microcontroller. Further, a battery system data bus
(SMBus) 281 is coupled to smart battery pack 265 to provide battery
state information, such as battery voltage and current information,
from BMU 266 of smart battery pack 265 to EC 280. Battery
charger/power circuit 260 of information handling system 200 may
also provide DC power for recharging battery cells of the battery
system 265 during charging operations.
[0037] FIG. 4 further shows a centrifugal fan apparatus configured
in the form of a self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 that is coupled
to EC 280 by a control signal (e.g., communication bus) 381 to
allow EC 280 and system BIOS executing thereon to selectably
control rotation and direction of rotation of a vaned rotor or
bladed impeller of blower apparatus 380 in a manner as will be
described further herein. It will be understood that the embodiment
of FIG. 4 is exemplary only and that additional, fewer, and/or
alternative components may be present in an information handling
system of other embodiments. It will also be understood that any
one or more other suitable other processing devices (e.g.,
controller, microcontroller, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc.) and
software/firmware executing thereon may be alternatively employed
to control operation of blower apparatus 380 in other
embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one exemplary
embodiment of portable information handling system 200 as it may be
configured as a notebook computer. As shown in FIG. 5, notebook
computer 200 includes a lid chassis portion 308 with display (e.g.
LCD or LED display) that is hingeably coupled to a base chassis
portion 320 that in this embodiment includes input/output devices
(e.g., such as a keyboard, touchpad, etc.) and that internally
encloses or contains information handling system components (e.g.,
system processor 205, main memory 215, media drives 235, battery
charger and power circuit 260, smart battery 265, etc.) described
in relation to FIG. 4. As further shown in FIG. 5, notebook
computer 200 includes an air intake opening 350 defined in the
underside surface 352 of base chassis portion 320 for a
self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 (shown in dashed outline) that
is provided inside notebook computer 200 for purposes of drawing in
air to cool internal components of notebook computer 200. Further
shown in FIG. 5 are cooling air exhaust openings 354 defined in the
underside surface 352 of base portion 320 for allowing circulated
cooling air provided by self-clean blower apparatus 380 to escape.
Also present is cleaning air exhaust opening 356 defined on a
backside surface 358 of base portion 320.
[0039] As will be described further herein, self-cleaning blower
apparatus 380 draws in air through cooling air intake opening 350
when its rotor is rotated in a first cooling direction and supplies
this cooling air to the interior of information handling system
base chassis portion 320 for cooling the components therein. The
cooling air is then dispelled from base chassis portion 320 through
cooling air exhaust openings 354. When its rotor is rotated in
second cleaning direction, self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 draws
air from the interior of base chassis portion 320 and exhausts this
cleaning air through cleaning air exhaust opening 356 in one
embodiment, or draws in air through cooling air intake opening 350
and preferentially exhausts this cleaning air through cleaning air
exhaust opening 356 in another embodiment. In the first
aforementioned embodiment, the action of drawing air from the
interior of base chassis portion 320 acts to dislodge and remove
dust and other debris that may have been carried in by cooling air
and accumulated inside base chassis portion 320 when the rotor of
the self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 is operating in its normal
first cooling direction. In the second aforementioned embodiment,
the action of exhausting air preferentially through cleaning air
exhaust opening 356 acts to dislodge and remove dust and other
debris that may have been carried in by cooling air and accumulated
inside the stator housing component of the blower apparatus 380
when the rotor of the self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 is
operating in its normal first cooling direction.
[0040] It will be understood that the embodiment of FIG. 5 is
exemplary only, and that a self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 may
implemented to cool other types of information handling system
chassis (e.g., desktop computer chassis, server chassis, etc.) or
other types of chassis (e.g., stereo chassis, refrigerator chassis,
electric welder chassis, etc.). Further, the relative positioning
and configuration of blower apparatus 380, and openings 350, 354
and 356 are exemplary only and may varied in location and/or
number, size, shape, etc.
[0041] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a dual operation centrifugal fan
apparatus 380 as it may be configured according to one exemplary
embodiment of the disclosed apparatus and methods. It will be
understood that although described in relation to an embodiment of
a self-cleaning blower apparatus (e.g., for air cooling an
information handling system chassis or other air cooling
operation), the dual operation centrifugal fan apparatus described
for the embodiments herein may be employed for any other
gas-circulating purpose, and may be employed to circulate other
types of gas besides air, e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide,
etc.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, self-cleaning blower apparatus
380 includes a stator housing component 502 with a vaned rotor
component 509 coupled thereto to rotate about its center axis 506
relative stator component 502. The rotating center of rotor
component 509 may be exposed or may be covered by a stationary
plate. In FIGS. 6 and 7, one side (e.g., stator housing cover) of
stator housing component 502 that overlies rotor component 509 is
shown removed for illustration purposes. As shown, rotor component
509 includes angled directional vanes 504 that radiate from a
central rotor member 507, and rotor component is rotatably received
within a rotor cavity 511 defined in stator housing component 502
that has a closed side that substantially conforms to the outer
peripheral shape of vaned rotor component 509. Rotor cavity 511
also includes an open side 523 that does not conform to the outer
peripheral shape of vaned rotor 509 and that is open to and
contiguous with a first circumferential opening 510 defined in the
body of the stator housing component 502 that will be further
discussed below. Rotor cavity 511 also includes a closed side 524
that is defined between the body of stator housing component 502
and rotor component 509. Closed side 524 terminates as shown at a
blocking surface 530 of the body of stator housing component 502
which is conformably located adjacent the outer periphery of
rotation of vaned rotor component 509 to from a dynamic pneumatic
seal that substantially blocks air flow (i.e., prevents bypass
airflow) between the outer periphery of vaned rotor 509 and
blocking surface 530.
[0043] It will be understood that each of rotor component 509 and
stator housing component 502 may be manufactured of metal, plastic,
combinations thereof, etc. Not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a rotor
driver (e.g., an electric fan motor) that is mechanically coupled
to drive rotor component 509 in a first counterclockwise cooling
direction as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6, and a second and
opposite clockwise direction as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7.
[0044] As previously mentioned, a stator housing cover 802 of
stator housing component 502 has been omitted from view in the
previous figures. A stator housing component 502 may include a
stator housing cover 802 that is formed as an integral feature with
the remainder of stator housing component 502, or may include a
stator housing cover 802 that is formed as a separate piece from
the remainder of stator housing component 502. As shown in FIG. 8,
stator housing cover 802 is configured to cover and at least
partially enclose rotor cavity 511, and includes an axial air
opening 804 substantially centered over central rotor member 507
that functions as an air inlet for cooling air when rotor component
rotates in its first counterclockwise cooling direction, it being
understood that an axial air opening may be alternatively
positioned in other way over central rotor member 507 suitable to
allow air to be drawn in through the axial air opening by the
rotating central rotor member 507. As may be seen in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 8, a portion of rotor vanes 504 are overlain and
exposed by axial air opening 804 through which air is drawn in by
self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 in a manner as will be described
further herein. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the stator housing
cover may be formed by the underside surface 352 base chassis
portion 320 of notebook computer 200 with air intake opening 350
being defined in the underside surface 352 of base chassis portion
320 and substantially centered around central rotor member 507 as
shown to function as axial air opening 804 and as a cooling air
inlet for blower apparatus 380. FIG. 8 also shows stator housing
cover 802 in dashed-line exploded perspective view as it would
appear if disassembled from stator housing component 502.
[0045] As further shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a first circumferential
opening 510 is defined in the periphery of stator housing 502
adjacent and continuous with open side 523 of rotor cavity 511. As
shown, an optional grill or a heat exchanger fin assembly 595 may
be optionally present across first circumferential opening 510.
First circumferential opening 510 functions as an air outlet when
rotor component 509 rotates in its first counter clockwise cooling
direction toward the direction of the angle orientation of vanes
504. When rotated in this direction, the angle of directional vanes
504 acts to draw in air through axial air opening 804 by virtue of
an area of lower air pressure created in closed side 524 of rotor
cavity 511 due to a pneumatic seal dynamically formed by blocking
surface 530 with the distal ends 549 of vanes 504 during rotation.
The rotating action of rotor 509 creates centrifugal force that
dispels air at first circumferential opening 510 in a direction
that is oriented 90 degrees from the direction that the air is
taken in through axial air opening 804. First circumferential
opening 510 is faced by the oncoming angled front side face 551 of
vanes 504 as they move toward open side 523 of rotor cavity 511
against blocking surface 530, which acts to create an area of
higher pressure that forces the air out first circumferential
opening 510. When employed in the exemplary information handling
system embodiment of FIG. 5, first circumferential opening 510 may
communicate with the interior of base chassis portion 320 to allow
blower apparatus 380 to supply cooling air drawn in through air
intake opening 350 through first circumferential opening 510 to the
interior components of base chassis portion 320 as shown in FIG.
6.
[0046] Also illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a second
circumferential opening 512 that is also defined in the periphery
of stator housing 502 adjacent and that in this embodiment is open
and contiguous with open side 523 of rotor cavity 511. Second
circumferential opening 512 functions as an air outlet for blower
apparatus 380 when rotor component 509 rotates in its second
clockwise cleaning direction as shown in FIG. 7. When so rotated,
the angled face 552 of directional vanes 504 acts to draw in air at
first circumferential opening 510 as a result of an area of low
pressure created in open side 523 of rotor cavity 511 between first
circumferential opening 510 and rotor component 509 due to the
dynamic pneumatic seal formed between the ends 509 of rotor vanes
504 and blocking area 530. This air drawn in is forced out as shown
through second circumferential opening 512 due to an area of high
pressure created in closed side 524 of rotor cavity 511 as the
oncoming angled back side face 552 of vanes 504 move through closed
side 524 of rotor cavity 511 against blocking surface 530. The size
and shape of second circumferential opening 512 may be selected as
needed to fit the air flow requirements of a particular
application, e.g., to have sufficient cross-sectional area to
exhaust maximum airflow provided by rotor component 509 when
rotating in its second clockwise cleaning direction. It will be
understood that the particular directional orientation of rotor
vanes 504 is exemplary only, and that vanes 504 may be oriented to
face the opposite direction to provide a clockwise cooling rotation
(e.g., air intake through an axial inlet and air exhausted out a
first circumferential opening) and a counter clockwise cleaning
rotation (e.g., air intake through a first circumferential opening
and air exhausted out a second circumferential opening).
[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, a user and/or system BIOS
executing on embedded controller 280 of information handling system
200 may be provided to automatically and/or selectably control the
direction of rotation of rotor component 509 of self-cleaning
blower apparatus 380 to temporarily switch rotation of rotor
component 509 from the normal first cooling direction to a second
cleaning direction to clean dust from the inside of base chassis
portion 320 of information handling system 200, e.g., in response
to manual user input, automatic algorithm steps, etc. For example a
user may be allowed to initiate a temporary cleaning mode in which
rotor component 509 temporarily switches from the normal first
cooling direction rotation to the second cleaning direction, e.g.,
by input via function keystrokes input to keyboard 245 and/or by
graphical user interface on display 225. A utility may be
optionally provided executing on processor 205 and/or embedded
controller 280 that periodically reminds the user to implement the
temporary cleaning mode. The duration of the second cleaning
direction rotation of the temporary cleaning mode may be controlled
by the user and/or automatically by timed algorithm (executing, for
example, on embedded controller 280) prior to returning to the
normal first cooing direction. Duration of second cleaning
direction may be, for example, 5 to 10 seconds or any other
suitable greater or lesser amount of time. An example automatic
cleaning schedule would be two hours of first cooling direction
rotation followed by 10 seconds of second cleaning direction
rotation, before reversing rotation for two more hours of first
cooling direction rotation.
[0048] Alternatively or additionally, system BIOS may initiate the
second cleaning direction rotation of rotor component 509 on a
regular or recurring basis, e.g., by implementation of an algorithm
that temporarily switches the rotation of rotor component 509 from
the normal first cooling direction to the second cleaning
direction. For example, the rotation of the rotor component 509 may
be temporarily set by BIOS executing on embedded controller 280 to
the second cleaning direction for a relatively short duration of
time (e.g., from about 30 seconds to about 1 minute or any other
suitable time) to periodically clean dust from the inside of base
chassis portion 320, e.g., at occurrence of every boot up or power
up of the information handling system 200 and/or power down of the
information handling system 200. For example, in one exemplary
embodiment at every initial system boot the rotor component 509 may
go idle (e.g., for about two seconds) after running in the first
cooling direction at full speed (e.g., at about 4000 RPM) for a
short period of time. It may then reverse to run in the second
cleaning direction rotation (e.g., at about 2000 RPM) for about 15
seconds. It will be understood that these time and rotational speed
parameters are exemplary and illustrative only.
[0049] In another example, BIOS executing on embedded controller
280 may temporarily set the rotation of rotor component 509 from
the first cooling direction to the second cleaning direction to
periodically clean dust from the inside of the information handling
system base chassis portion 320 on an automatic timed interval. For
example, BIOS executing on embedded controller 280 may temporarily
set the rotation of rotor component 509 to the second cleaning
direction after a given amount of cumulative elapsed operating time
(e.g., from about 6 to about 12 hours or any other suitable time)
in the first cooling direction, and then re-set the rotation of
rotor component 509 back to the second cleaning direction after a
short duration of cleaning time (e.g., from about 30 seconds to
about 1 minute or any other suitable time). In yet other possible
examples, the rotation of rotor component 509 may be temporarily
set by system BIOS to the second cleaning direction for relatively
short duration of time (e.g., from about 30 seconds to about 1
minute or any other suitable time) based upon sensed operating
temperature exceeding a high temperature threshold inside the
information handling system chassis (e.g., sensed by a temperature
sensor coupled to a processing device and positioned within base
chassis portion 320). Thereafter the rotation of rotor component
509 may be returned to the normal first cooling direction.
[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, a status indicator (e.g., dual
color LED or other type of visual and/or audio indicator) may be
provided to inform a user in real time of the information handling
system of the current operational mode (e.g., cooling or cleaning
fan rotation). For example a dual color LED indicator may be
provided as one of the "dashboard" visual indicators of a notebook
computer, or may be positioned adjacent cleaning and/or cooling
exhaust openings of the information handling system. The status
indicator may be lit with either a first or second color to
indicate which corresponding respective fan rotation mode (cooling
or cleaning) is currently in operation.
[0051] It will be understood that the preceding examples are
exemplary only, and that any combination of user action, embedded
controller 280, processor 205 and/or other processing device may be
employed to implement temporary cleaning cycles using any suitable
methodology or algorithm. Further, it will be understood that where
multiple fan speeds are employed for a self-cleaning blower
apparatus 380, the highest fan speed may be automatically selected
in one embodiment for the second cleaning direction operation of
rotor component 509.
[0052] When employed in the exemplary information handling system
embodiment of FIG. 5, second circumferential opening 512 may be
coupled in communication with cleaning air exhaust opening 356 to
allow cleaning air drawn in from the interior of base chassis
portion 320 through first circumferential opening 510 to be
expelled through air exhaust opening 356. As previously mentioned,
this action of drawing air from the interior of base chassis
portion 320 acts to dislodge and remove dust and other debris that
may have been carried in by cooling air and accumulated inside base
chassis portion 320 when the rotor of self-cleaning blower
apparatus is operating in its normal first cooling direction. It
will be understood, however, that the disclosed self-cleaning
blower apparatus may be employed for a variety of air moving
purposes, including for applications not involving cooling and/or
use in information handling systems.
[0053] It will be understood that the particular relative locations
of first and second circumferential openings 510 and 512 relative
to stator housing 502 in FIGS. 6-8 are exemplary only, and that
other locations and/or configurations are possible. For example,
FIG. 9 is a cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of
self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 in which a second
circumferential opening 512 may be defined in stator housing
component 502 adjacent a relatively turbulent "blocking" region 902
of the stator housing interior such that minimum or substantially
no air leakage occurs into the stator housing through second
circumferential opening 512 when vaned rotor component 509 is
rotating in the first cooling direction due to formation of
turbulent vortex or other air flow phenomenon adjacent second
circumferential opening 512. Location/s for such a turbulent
blocking region may be found, for example, based on empirical test
data of blower apparatus of different configurations, by airflow
modeling, etc.
[0054] In a further embodiment, second circumferential opening 512
may be provided with an optional sealing component (e.g.,
self-closing flapper door 922 that closes due to inward air
pressure differential across opening 512) to prevent air from being
drawn in through the second circumferential opening 512 when rotor
component 509 is rotating in the first cooling direction. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, flapper door 922 (e.g.,
constructed of rubber, plastic, sheet metal, etc.) is illustrated
in closed position while rotor component 509 is rotating in the
counter clockwise first cooling direction. Upon reversal of
rotation of rotor component 509 to the second cleaning direction,
air pressure forces flapper door 922 into an open position 922b
around hinge 920 as shown in FIG. 10 to allow air to be expelled
out second circumferential opening 512 while rotor component 509 is
rotating in the clockwise second cleaning direction. An optional
closing mechanism, e.g., spring loaded hinge or motorized door
actuator, may be provided to help keep flapper door 922 in closed
position when rotor component 509 is rotating in the first cooling
direction. It will be understood that any other configuration of
sealing mechanism may be employed for selectably preventing air
from being drawn in through the second circumferential opening 512
when rotor component 509 is rotating in its first cooling
direction.
[0055] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate just a few possible alternative
embodiments of self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 having varying
locations of second circumferential opening 512 defined in the
periphery of stator housing 502 adjacent and continuous with open
side 523 of rotor cavity 511. In this regard, the a particular
location for second circumferential opening 512 may be chosen, for
example, to fit form factor or other dimensional requirements or a
particular application (e.g., particular chassis design). In the
event that a selected location for second circumferential opening
512 does not coincide with a turbulent "blocking" region 902, an
optional sealing mechanism (e.g., self-closing flapper door 922)
may be provided to prevent air from being drawn in through the
second circumferential opening 512 when rotor component 509 is
rotating in the first cooling direction. It will also be understood
that more than one first circumferential opening 510 and/or more
than one second circumferential opening 512 may be present in a
stator housing component 502.
[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates one possible alternative embodiment in
which self-cleaning blower apparatus 380 includes a stator housing
component 502 with a vaned rotor component 509 having relatively
flat-angled vanes 620 coupled thereto to rotate about its center
axis 506 relative to stator component 502. Rotor vanes may be also
be configured to be forward-curved, backward-curved or straight
relative to the normal first direction of rotation.
[0057] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a self-cleaning blower apparatus
380 configured according to another exemplary embodiment that is
illustrated in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7.
In the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, open side 523 of
rotor cavity 511 also does not conform to the outer peripheral
shape of vaned rotor 509 and is open to and contiguous with a first
circumferential opening 510 defined in the body of the stator
housing component 502. However, closed side 524 defined between the
body of stator housing component 502 and rotor component 509
terminates at second circumferential opening 512 which is disposed
between closed side 524 of rotor cavity 511 and blocking surface
530 of the body of stator housing component 502 which is
conformably located adjacent the outer periphery of rotation of
vaned rotor component 509 to from a dynamic pneumatic seal that
substantially blocks air flow (i.e., prevents bypass airflow)
between the outer periphery of vaned rotor 509 and blocking surface
530.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, stator housing cover 802 is
configured to cover and at least partially enclose rotor cavity
511, and includes an axial air opening 804 substantially centered
over central rotor member 507 that in this embodiment functions as
an air inlet for cooling air when rotor component rotates in its
first counterclockwise cooling direction and for cleaning air when
rotor component rotates in its second clockwise cooling
direction.
[0059] As further shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a first circumferential
opening 510 is defined in the periphery of stator housing 502
adjacent and continuous with open side 523 of rotor cavity 511. In
this exemplary embodiment, first circumferential opening 510
functions as the primary air outlet (i.e., expelling greater than
50% of total expelled air flow from stator housing 502) when rotor
component 509 rotates in its first counter clockwise cooling
direction, although it is not necessary that it be the primary air
outlet in all embodiments. The rotating action of rotor 509 creates
centrifugal force that dispels air at first circumferential opening
510 in a direction that is oriented 90 degrees from the direction
that the air is taken in through axial air opening 804. First
circumferential opening 510 is faced by the oncoming angled front
side face 551 of vanes 504 as they move toward open side 523 of
rotor cavity 511 against blocking surface 530, which acts to create
an area of higher pressure that forces a majority of the intaken
air out first circumferential opening 510, although it is not
necessary that the majority of the intaken air be forced out first
circumferential air opening 510 during cooling rotation for all
embodiments. As before, when employed in the exemplary information
handling system embodiment of FIG. 5, first circumferential opening
510 may communicate with the interior of base chassis portion 320
to allow blower apparatus 380 to supply cooling air drawn in
through air intake opening 350 through first circumferential
opening 510 to the interior components of base chassis portion 320
as shown in FIG. 14. It will be understood that dust and other
debris may accumulate within rotor cavity 511 during cooling (e.g.,
counterclockwise) rotation, especially when a grill and/or cooling
fins or a heat exchanger are present at first circumferential
opening 510, in which case dust and other debris may accumulate on
the surfaces of and/or between the individual fins during cooling
rotation.
[0060] Also illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 is a second
circumferential opening 512 that is also defined in the periphery
of stator housing 502 that in this embodiment is contiguous with
closed side 524 of rotor cavity 511 and positioned between blocking
surface 530 and closed side 524 of rotor cavity 511. Second
circumferential opening 512 functions as the primary air outlet
(i.e., expelling greater than 50% of total expelled air flow from
stator housing 502) for blower apparatus 380 when rotor component
509 rotates in its second clockwise cleaning direction as shown in
FIG. 15, although it is not necessary that second circumferential
opening 512 be the primary air outlet during cleaning rotation for
all embodiments. The rotating action of rotor 509 creates
centrifugal force that dispels air at first circumferential opening
510 in a direction that is oriented 90 degrees from the direction
that the air is taken in through axial air opening 804. Second
circumferential opening 512 is faced by the oncoming angled back
side face 552 of vanes 504 as they move toward blocking surface
530, which acts to create an area of higher pressure that forces a
majority of the intaken air out second circumferential opening 512.
Since the majority of intaken air is dispelled at second
circumferential opening 512 during cleaning (e.g., clockwise)
rotation, higher exhaust air pressure and air velocity exists at
opening 512 during this time, although it is not always necessary
that the majority of intaken air be dispelled at second
circumferential opening 512 during cleaning rotation for all
embodiments. In any case the change in differential in air pressure
between the first and second circumferential air openings 510 and
512 that occurs when switching from cooling rotation to cleaning
rotation causes at least a portion of accumulated dust and debris
within rotor cavity 511 and/or at associated cooling fins or grill
located at first circumferential opening 510 to follow the air
pressure gradient and to be exhausted out second circumferential
opening 512 during the cleaning (e.g., clockwise) rotation.
[0061] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate just a few possible alternative
embodiments of stator component 502 of self-cleaning blower
apparatus 380 having varying configurations of second
circumferential opening 512 defined in the periphery of stator
housing 502 between closed side 524 and blocking surface 530 of
rotor cavity 511. In FIGS. 16-18, rotor component 509 has been
omitted from view, and the orientation of blower apparatus 380
reversed such that cooling operation is achieved by clockwise
rotation of rotor component 509 and dust cleaning operation is
achieved by counterclockwise rotation of rotor component 509.
Additionally, FIG. 16 illustrates the presence of grill fins 595 at
second circumferential opening 512. FIG. 18 substantially
corresponds to the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15, but with the
orientation of blower apparatus 380 reversed such that cooling
operation is achieved by clockwise rotation of rotor component 509
and dust cleaning operation is achieved by counterclockwise
rotation of rotor component 509.
[0062] Table 1 below illustrates air flow volume comparison for the
embodiments of FIGS. 16-18. As may be seen, the embodiment of FIG.
18 achieves preferential (i.e., majority or greater than 50%) of
total air flow out second circumferential opening 512 during
cleaning direction rotation of rotor component 509, in this case
2.75 cubic foot per minute (CFM) cleaning direction air out second
circumferential opening 512 as compared to 2.22 CFM cleaning
direction air out first circumferential opening 510. This makes
second circumferential opening 512 of FIG. 18 the primary air
outlet during cleaning direction rotation of rotor component 509.
The embodiment of FIG. 18 also achieves a high ratio of
preferential (i.e., majority or greater than 50%) of total cooling
air flow out of first circumferential opening 510 during cleaning
direction rotation of rotor component 509, in this case 8.48 CFM
cooling air out first circumferential opening 510 and 0.62 CFM
cooling air out second circumferential opening 512 during cooling
rotation. This makes first circumferential opening 510 of FIG. 18
the primary air outlet during cooling direction rotation of rotor
component 509.
[0063] The embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17 do not achieve
preferential (i.e., majority or greater than 50%) cleaning air flow
out second circumferential opening 512 during cleaning rotation,
but do achieve the exhaust of some cleaning air out second
circumferential air opening 512 during cleaning rotation, while
achieving preferential (i.e., majority or greater than 50%) cooling
air flow out first circumferential opening 510 during cooling
rotation.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 FIG. 16 FIG. 17 FIG. 18 Rotation Direction
Cooling Cleaning Cooling Cleaning Cooling Cleaning Direction
Direction Direction Direction Direction Direction First Outlet 510
8.29 CFM 2.68 CFM 8.34 CFM 2.99 CFM 8.48 CFM 2.22 CFM Second Outlet
512 0.69 CFM 1.89 CFM 0.48 CFM 1.89 CFM 0.62 CFM 2.75 CFM
[0064] It will be understood that one or more of the tasks,
functions, or methodologies described herein may be implemented,
for example, as firmware or other computer program of instructions
embodied in a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium that
is executed by a CPU, controller, microcontroller, processor,
microprocessor, FPGA, ASIC, or other suitable processing
device.
[0065] For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling
system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an
information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a
consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other
suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may
include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central
processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic.
Additional components of the information handling system may
include one or more storage devices, one or more communications
ports for communicating with external devices as well as various
input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a
video display. The information handling system may also include one
or more buses operable to transmit communications between the
various hardware components.
[0066] While the invention may be adaptable to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example and described herein. However, it should be
understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the
particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims. Moreover, the different aspects of the disclosed apparatus
and methods may be utilized in various combinations and/or
independently. Thus the invention is not limited to only those
combinations shown herein, but rather may include other
combinations.
* * * * *